Programming Your Irrigation Controller (Video)

There are many different types of irrigation controllers on the market today and they may seem confusing and slightly daunting at first glance. The good news is that they are never as complicated as they seem.

Irrigation controllers have three basic parameters that must be programmed in to make the system run effectively:

1. System run time – This is the time during the morning or night that your system turns on.

Many irrigation controllers allow you to program in multiple run times; using this setting properly can increase your water soil absorption and reduce water waste, thus increasing the overall efficiency of your irrigation system.
Keep in mind that New Braunfels has year round watering time; if you are using an irrigation system, you may only water before 10:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m.

2. Zone run time – The length of time each zone runs.

It is important to set the zone run times properly for each station.
Remember no two zones of your property are exactly the same; some may contain flower beds and hedges while others are all turf.
The same thing can also be said for the type of spray head you have in each zone: one zone could have rotor heads while the zone right next to it could be drip irrigation.
It is important to determine the proper zone run time according to the plant type, spray head, and slope of the property.
If a zone is set to water too long in a sloped area, there is a chance that you could have a problem with run off, which is considered water waste.

3. Day of the week – The day or days of the week you would like your irrigation system to come on.

When setting your irrigation controller, be sure to water only on days assigned for your address according to the current drought stage.

Learn how to program your irrigation controller by clicking on the picture of an irrigation controller below to watch one of three videos.
These videos can be very helpful even if the Irrigation controller featured isn’t the one you have installed.